While malocclusion is not entirely predictable, and is not always avoidable, regular dental checkups and early orthodontic evaluation can help your child avoid needing treatment in the future.
Regular Dental Check Ups
Having a dentist regularly examine your child’s baby and permanent teeth as they grow in is important for identifying and avoiding developing malocclusion problems.
A dentist will be able to monitor your child’s development and determine whether orthodontic intervention is necessary.
Regular oral hygiene appointments (in addition to a good hygiene routine at home) will help keep baby teeth healthy. Baby teeth act as placeholders and guides for the permanent teeth as they erupt. When baby teeth fall out early due to decay, it might cause the permanent teeth to grow into the wrong positions.
This is why it’s important that children attends regular dental checkups and cleanings to avoid having to go through orthodontic treatment later in life.
Early Orthodontic Intervention
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child's first orthodontic evaluation take place no later than at the age of 7. In some cases, children as young as 2 or 3 can benefit from early evaluation.
The orthodontist will be able to catch problems early on as they're developing, and implement Early Interceptive Treatment (also known as Phase I Treatment).
Early treatment in the form of palatal expanders, space maintainers, TADs, or partial braces can play an important role in whether your child will wind up wearing braces, and for how long.